Di Grassi earns sportscar chance

Pirelli F1 test driver Lucas di Grassi is to return to competitive action after securing a deal to join Audi for the fifth round of the World Endurance Championship.

Di Grassi will join Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish at the wheel of the #2 Audi R18 Ultra for the race, which will take place at Interlagos in his native Brazil in September.

The former Virgin Racing driver will become the first Brazilian to compete as part of Audi's sportscar programme in the one-off deal and he said he was pleased to have the opportunity to take part in the race.

"The WEC race is a nice opportunity to attract attention at home together with Audi,” he said. "Endurance racing is a fascinating discipline of motorsport which I've only experienced in tests so far. That's why I'm particularly excited about my debut in the WEC for Audi alongside two big names like Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen.”

Di Grassi earned the chance to take part in the race on the back of a successful test at the Lausitzring earlier this month, with Audi motorsport boss Wolfgang Ullrich hopeful he would make an impression in the race.

"He left a good impression then, which motivated us to sign him,” he said. "We're delighted to be able to provide the audience here, the media, our importer Audi Brazil and of course the FIA World Endurance Championship with a special link to this location.

"We're giving Lucas di Grassi a chance to compete at home as an ambassador for endurance racing and to fight for overall victory in the Audi R18.”

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wow that's great news! Di Grassi did everything he needed to be in F1 he was the best of his pack but unfortunately all others including Maldonado, Grosjean, Bruno payed their way into F1 and this great driver without the backing was left behind after one year. Kudos to Audi for still believing in talent over money I'm sure Di Grassi will have a long career with Audi hopefully making his way to DTM!

Long career at Audi?! So far he only has a one race deal as the story says. He might not be that much interested in sports cars. Audi just saw a great marketing opportunity that's why they have him for the race, and he's already plenty fast.
The rest would depend on how much interest he has in sports cars and how well he can work with other drivers, since he has to share the car. Audi wants career sports car endurance drivers that's why they're successful.
Peugeot had mostly F1 and single-seater minded sprinters.